I Can Manage

A mischievous glint sparkled in Alexander's eyes, causing Evelyn's cheeks to burn with a fresh wave of heat. She quickly feigned a cough, turning her head away to hide her flustered expression.

"Easy now," Alexander said, a faint line of concern appearing on his forehead. His hand came up to gently rub her back. "Drink some water."

He handed the glass to Evelyn.

Still catching her breath between coughs, she took it and sipped slowly, the cool liquid soothing her throat. The awkward tightness began to fade.

After a moment of silence, she hesitated, then dared to glance at him. "So..." She nibbled her lower lip, choosing her words carefully. "How much of that did you actually hear?"

Alexander's face was unreadable, his voice even. "Enough."

His eyes met hers, and his tone shifted, becoming light and playful. "You don't have a problem with that, do you?"

Mortification washed over Evelyn. She wanted the floor to swallow her whole.

Alexander had been nothing but kind and respectful. Had she really just accused him of being… obedient? Where had that even come from?

Squirming internally, she rubbed the bridge of her nose, her voice barely a whisper. "...I was just talking nonsense. I didn't mean any of it. Please, forget I said anything."

As she spoke, she watched his face closely, searching for any sign of annoyance.

"It's fine, even if you did mean it." Alexander's response was calm, measured.

Evelyn blinked, confused. What did that mean? Was he saying it was okay if she had meant those impulsive words?

Before she could decipher his meaning, he asked casually, "That caller… was it the man who left you at the altar?"

"Yes," Evelyn answered swiftly. "But I've cut all contact with him since marrying you. He called, and I made my position very clear. You have nothing to worry about. I'm your wife now, and I want nothing more to do with him."

A subtle, satisfied smile touched Alexander's lips.

He had initially wondered if there was any lingering attachment between Evelyn and her ex, but overhearing her side of the conversation this morning had erased those doubts.

He hadn't expected her to defend him so staunchly to Julian.

It was obvious Julian had been causing trouble.

A protective instinct rose within him. He looked at Evelyn, his voice firm and reassuring. "If you encounter any difficulty you can't resolve on your own, come to me. I will handle it."

Evelyn exhaled softly, relieved he wasn't angry. She shook her head with a small, determined smile. "It's nothing I can't manage. Please, focus on your work. Don't worry about me."

"Alright," Alexander agreed, his tone warm, not pressing the issue further.

After breakfast, Evelyn collected her belongings and left for work, the day awaiting her.

Alexander watched her go, his gaze lingering on the closed door for a long moment before he wheeled himself into his study.

Once inside, the atmosphere shifted. His voice was cool and authoritative. "I want a full report on Julian Blackwood's recent activities. Everything. Who he's been talking to, what he's been doing."

His assistant paused, surprised by the personal nature of the request. It was unusual for his boss to involve himself in non-business matters.

"Right away, Mr. Blackwood," the assistant replied promptly, recognizing the seriousness in his tone.

It didn't take long for the assistant to return with a thin file.

Alexander opened it, his brow furrowing almost immediately as he scanned the contents. Something in the report clearly displeased him.